The weather in New York can be quite strange, and especially the rain is not something to joke about. What to do in New York City when it rains? There’s no single New Yorker who doesn’t own rain boots, and there is a good reason for that. You could easily end up with puddles in your sneakers if you’re not prepared for the monsoon-kind-of-rainfall in the city, which can happen any day. So what are the things to do in NYC on a rainy day?
A rainy day in NYC during your trip is not the end of the world. There are a lot of really fun rainy-day activities in New York City for you to check out. In this article, I’ll share my favorite things to do in New York City when it rains so you know what to do on a rainy day in New York City.
What to wear in NYC when it rains?
Before we dive deep into the best things to do on a rainy day in NYC let’s figure out first what to wear in NYC when it rains. Depending on where you’re traveling from you may be used to heavy rain. So how to deal with rain in NYC? Always check the weather the night before.
Most of the time the common weather radar apps are pretty accurate. Always pack an umbrella and rain boots when you’re coming to New York during a rainy season like the fall. I’ve made the mistake of wearing sneakers during down-pouring rain and was simply soaked afterward.
The right attire when it rains in NYC is everything. Wear a jacket that is waterproof and protects you from the wind. Layers always help to not get cold easily.
10 Things To Do In New York City When It Rains
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01
Visit one of the many great museums in NYC
Museum
in
Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried.
Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
Check out my article on the best museums in New York City here.
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02
Explore the Oculus in Lower Manhattan
Building
in
Financial District
With a delay of around 7 years and huge costs, the world’s most expensive railway station was opened in March 2016. The new station next to the One World Trade Center is architecturally amazing and looks absolutely futuristic. It blurs the lines between a railway station, shopping center and pedestrian tunnels and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
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03
Go shopping!
Outlet
in
Outside of New York City
Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall. After many years of waiting and constant delays, the massive shopping and entertainment complex is finally open.
The American Dream complex is much more than just a mall. Besides hundreds of shops, you will also find an unbelievable number of entertainment facilities here. As a matter of fact, the complex is almost split evenly among shopping and entertainment.
My tip: Check out my shopping guide for more malls and outlets in NYC.
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04
Check out the best food markets in New York City
Food Market
in
Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The first address for the gourmets among you is the Chelsea Market. The building was once a biscuit factory and the place where the famous Oreo biscuits were invented. Today you will find bakeries, wine merchants, greengrocers, a fish shop, sushi bars, a butcher’s shop with a steak restaurant, and much more.
My tip: Check out the best food markets in NYC here.
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05
Spend some time at Grand Central Terminal
Other Attraction
in
Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Every single day, thousands of locals and tourists walk through this busy and fast-paced terminal. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows and is an iconic location within the city. Tourists that visit NYC make sure that Grand Central is part of their itinerary.
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06
Visit a Broadway Show
Broadway Show
in
Midtown Manhattan
Who doesn’t know the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp? On Broadway, the stage show by Casey Nicholaw enchants hundreds of spectators daily. Jasmine, the genie in the bottle and the flying carpet make this musical a favorite of many kids and adults alike.
These are the best Broadway Shows in New York City right now.
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07
Take a tour at Madison Square Garden
Walking Tour
in
Midtown Manhattan
This exclusive tour of Madison Sqauare Garden will give you a unique look at the state of the art arena in a much more detailed way. When you enter through the doors of the arena you can feel the energy in the air and you really start to imagine the many legendary concerts and games that have been held there.
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08
Relax at the Spa on Governors Island
Other Attraction
in
Governors Island
The QC NY Spa on Governors Island is a luxurious wellness oasis in the middle of New York Harbor – just a short ferry ride from Manhattan. Set amid historic buildings, the spa offers over 20 wellness experiences, including heated outdoor pools with breathtaking views of the skyline, various saunas, steam baths, Vichy showers, and themed relaxation rooms such as the “Mountain Stube” or the “Scottish Room.”
Particularly impressive is the panoramic pool, which is open all year round and offers an underwater music experience. The in-house bistro serves Italian-inspired dishes and aperitifs. A visit to QC NY Spa is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city – relaxation with a view included.
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09
Explore the New York Public Library
Building
in
Midtown Manhattan
The New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in NYC. Having featured in countless films and photographs, this is one of the best public libraries in the United Sates. The New York Public Library is not only a place for students, professors, and bookworms but also a must visit for toruists of the Big Apple.
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10
Visit one of the many art galleries in NYC
Gallery
in
Lower East Side
The bitforms gallery is a contemporary art gallery that features mid-career artists utilizing the latest technologies in New York City. The Bitforms gallery was founded in 2001 with the idea that A world-renowned contemporary visual art gallery, bitforms is home to established artists and those on the rise.
bitforms is a cutting-edge gallery that represents established and emerging artists with new technologies in their work. It’s no surprise that technology is recognized as an important niche in the market at large. Nowadays we are used to seeing images projected onto tablets during live performances but not that long ago this was unheard of.
Check out my article about the best art exhibitions in New York City.